Babusar Highway Ravaged by Flash Floods
A powerful cloudburst has unleashed flash floods and landslides across Gilgit-Baltistan, causing widespread devastation along the Babusar Highway. At least three people have died, 15 are injured, and over 30 tourists remain missing. Among the deceased are Mashal Fatima and Fahad Islam, both from Lodhran. An emergency has been declared at Regional Hospital Chilas to manage the growing number of casualties.
Vehicles Swept Away, Roads Severed
Over 15 vehicles, including tourist vans from Sahiwal, were swept away by floodwaters. More than 8km of the Babusar Highway has been destroyed, while roads in Diamer district have been blocked at 14 to 20 critical points. The Karakoram Highway is also impassable at Tatta Pani and Lal Pahari due to debris and rising water levels.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
Rescue operations are in full swing. According to Diamer Deputy Commissioner Attaur Rehman, the flash flood began around 3:30pm and quickly triggered landslides across a vast stretch. “Our teams are working non-stop to find missing tourists and restore access,” he said. Locals have opened their homes to stranded visitors, while others have been moved to schools for shelter.
Tourism and Communication Crippled
Thousands of tourists are stranded, with many still awaiting rescue. Disrupted communication lines are hampering coordination efforts. However, hundreds have already been safely relocated. Additional rescue machinery has been dispatched from Naran.
Government Responds with Aid
Relief supplies, including ration packs and tents, are being distributed in affected areas like Ghizer and Baltistan. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has ordered the use of all available resources to ensure safety and speed up operations.
Travel Advisory Issued
The NDMA has urged the public to avoid travel to flood-affected zones and is coordinating closely with local authorities to monitor the evolving situation.
